Galactic Milieu 04 - Magnificat by Julian May

Author:Julian May
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Published: 2008-06-04T14:00:00+00:00

18

SECTOR 12: STAR 12-370-992 [RETLA]

PLANET 3 [HIBERNIA]

6 EANAIR [14 FEBRUARY] 2080

"Yes, I'm quite certain we want to drive," said the russian. "We won't be able to stay long on Hibernia, but it would be a pity if we didn't see some of your lovely scenery during our visit.

Dirigent Muldowney has said that this section of the Loch Mór coast is one of the most dramatic regions of the planet."

"Well, it's that, all right." Jane Cloherty, the VIP-minder and public-relations dogsbody for the Intendancy of Connemara, produced a meaningful smile as she led the visiting officials out of the skyport lobby. A gravomag Mercedes from the government motor pool was waiting in the portico, coachwork sparkling in the rain. "The only thing is," Jane continued, "it's winter now and the Boireann is rather lonely out of season. This isn't really the best time of year for driving along our inland sea. All of the holiday facilities are shut down and the villages are rather few and far between."

"But we are from Astrakhan, my dear Citizen Cloherty." The female tourist spoke with forced heartiness. "The moody landscape will remind us of our own home world. And if there should be a nice storm, then that would put the icing on the cake."

"Well, the forecast calls for a full gale, so you'll likely get your wish," said Jane. "Are you sure you don't want a chauffeur, Intendant General? I could have one here in ten minutes."

"Thank you, but no." The Russian doffed his karakul shapka, opened the car's passenger door, and carefully climbed into the front seat.

Ruslan Vakhavich Terekev, chief elected official of the planet Astrakhan, appeared vaguely unwell. His prominent features were drawn, his skin was unhealthily sallow, and his hooded eyes were darkly ringed. Jane Cloherty decided that he was either masking some strong emotional upheaval or possibly suffering pain, and she had been relieved when Terekev's much younger Chief of Staff, a handsome woman wearing a teal-and-black leather tunic and leggings, announced that she would be doing all of the driving.

Jane said to her, "I think you'll find the vehicle quite comfortable, Citizen Arsanova. We've stocked the refrigerator with food and drink, and the computer has a wide selection of music and a detailed guide to the features of the region. The doors will lock and unlock on your verbal command once you've given it your input."

"Thank you," Lyudmila Arsanova said. Her smile was detached. "How is the road to Dumha Sí? We have booked rooms for the night at an inn called Granuaile House, where Dirigent Muldowney will come to collect us tomorrow."

"The highway's narrow in places but decent enough. I wouldn't trust the car's autopilot in the twistier bits where the mountains might block the NAVSAT signal. There are some rather amazing cliffs and offshore rock formations just beyond Baile Ui Fhiacháin, and an ollphéist sanctuary you might want to stop and visit. You should reach Dumha Sí easily before dark. Granuaile House is a lovely accommodation with super food.

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